Cavalier Talk

Corona Virus: is a nasty virus that usually affects Cavalier King Charles Spaniels’ (dogs’) gastrointestinal systems, though it can also cause respiratory infections. Signs include most GI symptoms, including loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Doctors can keep a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog) hydrated, warm, and comfortable, and help alleviate nausea, but there is no drug that kills corona viruses.

For more information on dog vaccines or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels please visit our website at www.cruisincavaliers.com

Hip Dysplasia: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can sometimes develop hip dysplasia, but the breed risk ranks 61st according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) data. To get a true diagnosis of this disorder a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel must be put under anesthesia by a veterinarian with experience in x-raying the hips. The x-ray is then sent to OFA for the actual diagnosis. This disorder can also be caused from trauma after a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy is born so not all cases of hip dysplasia are genetic, but most of the time if hip dysplasia occurs the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog) already had a predisposition to the disorder. Most Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with hip dysplasia live a long and normal life without much discomfort since they are a toy breed. It is also a condition that is very difficult to tell in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel without having the hips x-rayed, which is another example of how this disorder although not recommended for breeding does not usually affect the quality of life of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. All Cavaliers that have been cleared for hip dysplasia will be listed in with OFA. OFA is the ONLY screening that is absolute. A veterinarian cannot pass a Cavalier’s hips, but they can read the x-ray and have a good idea of whether the dog will pass or fail. There is no reason not to send the x-ray on to OFA for absolute diagnosis since it is only a minor charge.

For more information on Cavalier King Charles Spaniels please visit our website at www.cruisincavaliers.com

Umbilical Hernia: This type of hernia is also very common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies and seldom need to be repaired. It is most likely caused when the mother Cavalier King Charles Spaniel pulls too hard on the umbilical cord at birth causing the hernia. There are different opinions on this type of hernia about whether it is genetic or caused at birth. If the umbilical ring does not close immediately after birth sometimes a little fatty tissue is trapped on the outside of the abdomen after the ring closes causing a bubble-like area where the umbilical cord was attached. If the bubble cannot be pushed back up into the abdomen it is called a non-reducible hernia. If the bubble can be pushed back up into the abdomen then it is called a reducible hernia and surgery is advisable if the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is going to be bred. This umbilical hernia existing on a future show dog is still allowed to show in AKC sanctioned events and a dog with this type of hernia can still be bred. Since this type of hernia is very widespread in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and does not harm the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy as far as future health is concerned the condition does not lower the adoption price of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy with this condition.

For more information on Cavalier King Charles Spaniels please visit our website at www.cruisincavaliers.com

Inguinal Hernia: The condition is the result of abdominal organs, fat or tissue protruding through the inguinal ring. Inguinal hernias are presented as skin-covered bulges in the groin. They can be bilateral, involving both sides, or unilateral, involving only one side. Inguinal hernias are more common in females than males, but do occur in both sexes. As with umbilical hernias most inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as the puppy grows, although you must keep an eye on the size of the hernia(s). Inguinal hernias can also occur in unspayed, middle-aged female dogs. This may occur as the result of stretching of abdominal tissue due to pregnancy, or atrophy of abdominal tissue and musculature due to advanced age.

For more information on Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and health issues please visit our website at www.cruisincavaliers.com

Dog: Male Dog

Dudley Nose: Nose is off-color from the standard black color. Usually a gray or brownish color and this is a fault.

Elbowing In: The elbows are so close to the body that the dog has no reach in their movement.

Elbowing Out: The elbows are rotating outward instead of being held tightly to the body during movement.

ENG CH: English Champion

For more dog world abbreviations please visit our website at http://www.cruisincavaliers.com/dog-world-abbreviations.htm

From time to time, people tell me, “lighten up, it’s just a dog,” or, “that’s a lot of money for just a dog.” They don’t understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for “just a dog.” Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a dog.” Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a dog,” but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a dog,” and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “just a dog” gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it’s “just a dog,” then you will probably understand phrases like “just a friend,” “just a sunrise,” or “just a promise.”

“Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. “Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person. Because of “just a dog”, I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it’s not “just a dog” but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. “Just a dog” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a dog,” but the thing that gives humanity and keeps me from being “just a woman.” So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog” just smile…because they “just don’t understand!”

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